Genesis 49:33

And when Jacob had made an end of commanding his sons, he gathered up his feet into the bed, and yielded up the ghost, and was gathered unto his people.

And when Jacob {H3290} had made an end {H3615} of commanding {H6680} his sons {H1121}, he gathered up {H622} his feet {H7272} into the bed {H4296}, and yielded up the ghost {H1478}, and was gathered {H622} unto his people {H5971}.

When Ya'akov had finished charging his sons, he drew his legs up into the bed, breathed his last and was gathered to his people.

When Jacob had finished instructing his sons, he pulled his feet into the bed and breathed his last, and he was gathered to his people.

And when Jacob made an end of charging his sons, he gathered up his feet into the bed, and yielded up the ghost, and was gathered unto his people.

Commentary

Commentary on Genesis 49:33 (KJV)

Genesis 49:33 marks the solemn yet peaceful conclusion to the life of Jacob, also known as Israel, the patriarch whose twelve sons would become the heads of the twelve tribes of Israel. This verse encapsulates the final moments of a pivotal figure in biblical history, following his extensive prophetic pronouncements and last wishes.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jacob's detailed blessings and prophecies over each of his twelve sons, outlining their future tribal destinies (Genesis 49:1-28). Crucially, before yielding his last breath, Jacob also gave very specific instructions for his burial. He commanded his sons to bury him in the cave of Machpelah in Canaan, alongside his forefathers Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, and Rebekah (Genesis 49:29-32). His organized and deliberate departure underscores his faith and the importance of covenantal promises.

Key Themes

  • A Deliberate and Peaceful Departure: The phrase "he gathered up his feet into the bed" paints a picture of a conscious and composed acceptance of death. It suggests Jacob deliberately arranged himself, signifying readiness and peace, rather than a sudden or struggling end.
  • Fulfillment of a Life's Purpose: Having delivered his final commands and prophecies, Jacob's work as a patriarch was complete. His death signifies the transition from the patriarchal age to the beginnings of the nation of Israel through his sons.
  • Biblical Understanding of Death: The expressions "yielded up the ghost" and "was gathered unto his people" are significant biblical idioms for death.
    • "Yielded up the ghost" means he breathed his last or expired, referring to the departure of the life-breath or spirit.
    • "Was gathered unto his people" is a common Old Testament euphemism for death, implying a joining of one's ancestors in the realm of the dead, whether in the grave or in a spiritual afterlife. This concept is also seen in the deaths of other patriarchs, such as Abraham in Genesis 25:8.

Linguistic Insights

  • The KJV phrase "yielded up the ghost" translates the Hebrew verb ื™ึดื’ึฐื•ึทืข (yigva), meaning "to expire," "to breathe one's last," or "to perish." The word "ghost" here refers to the breath or spirit of life, not a spectral apparition.
  • "Was gathered unto his people" comes from the Hebrew ื ึถืึฑืกึทืฃ ืึถืœ-ืขึทืžึธึผื™ื• (ne'esaf el-ammav), literally "was gathered to his peoples." This idiom highlights the continuity of family and lineage even in death, suggesting a reunion with those who have gone before, either in a shared resting place or a spiritual realm.

Significance and Application

Jacob's death is not merely an end but a transition point that sets the stage for the next phase of God's redemptive plan. His peaceful departure, after ensuring his family knew their future and his burial wishes, offers several insights:

  • Preparedness for the End: Jacob's deliberate actions in his final moments teach us about the importance of living a life of purpose and making arrangements for our departure, both practically and spiritually.
  • Hope Beyond the Grave: The phrase "gathered unto his people" hints at an ancient Israelite belief in some form of existence or reunion beyond physical death. This theme finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament's revelation of resurrection and eternal life through faith in Christ.
  • Enduring Legacy: Jacob's life, marked by struggle, faith, and divine encounters, culminates in a powerful legacy through his twelve sons. His story reminds us that our lives, when lived in covenant with God, can have a profound and lasting impact.
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Cross-References

  • Genesis 49:29 (5 votes)

    And he charged them, and said unto them, I am to be gathered unto my people: bury me with my fathers in the cave that [is] in the field of Ephron the Hittite,

  • Genesis 25:8 (4 votes)

    Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full [of years]; and was gathered to his people.

  • Genesis 25:17 (2 votes)

    And these [are] the years of the life of Ishmael, an hundred and thirty and seven years: and he gave up the ghost and died; and was gathered unto his people.

  • Hebrews 11:13 (2 votes)

    These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of [them], and embraced [them], and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

  • Hebrews 11:16 (2 votes)

    But now they desire a better [country], that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

  • Joshua 24:27 (2 votes)

    And Joshua said unto all the people, Behold, this stone shall be a witness unto us; for it hath heard all the words of the LORD which he spake unto us: it shall be therefore a witness unto you, lest ye deny your God.

  • Joshua 24:29 (2 votes)

    ยถ And it came to pass after these things, that Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died, [being] an hundred and ten years old.